“You’re Not Being Very Christian”

As the political ads and the water cooler debates begin, I am reminded that the Presidential Elections will soon be upon us once again. As if 2020 needs any more drama, here we go with what undoubtedly will be one of the most divisive of our lifetimes (maybe 2020 is the right year for this). But in a world of social media, where “friends” judge your every posting, and social justice, where this side judges that side based on how you look; we are judged by everyone for everything. But if we are true followers of Jesus Christ and GOD’S Word”  is our guide in this uncertain world, we should not expect judgement from our fellow Christians.

In 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Paul is warning the Corinthians when you judge a fellow believer, you are claiming to be a better Christian than they are and only Christ can judge that. “1 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.” But over a thousand years later, are we not as guilty as the Corinthians?

During the recent protests across our nation, social media became a platform for one’s opinion of the movement and anyone who opposes their opinion. That is human nature and I get it, but what I don’t get is when a fellow believer invokes the statement “You’re not being very Christian” when they disagree with that person’s views. How does a believer accuse another believer of not being Christ-like? News flash, accuser! You are not acting Christ-like!

In John 8:3-6, Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees with accusations against an adulterous woman. The Pharisees felt justified as this woman was caught in the act and the Law of Moses is clear on this violation. Yet in verse 7, we read Jesus is writing in the sand and tells them “Let him who is without sin, cast the first stone.” Again in Luke 6:37, “Judge not, and you shall not be judged.” And again in Matthew 7:1, ““Judge not, that you be not judged.”  Jesus continues in chapter 7:3-5 by teaching Us about criticizing others: “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Jesus is telling us such criticism is hypocrisy.

I am not advocating you shouldn’t address a fellow brother’s sin, but confront them in humility. In Galatians 6, Paul tells “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” And please confront them in person. In Matthew 18:15, Jesus teaches us how to confront a brother, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.”  And Jesus furthers tells us, “But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector”.

In reading GOD’S WORD, the HOLY SPIRIT is teaching me the only reason to confront a fellow brother is when he is “overtaken by his trespass” and that we are to approach him in person, I wonder what would this world would be like if everyone’s positive thoughts were recorded in social/public media and everyone’s negative thoughts were conveyed in person only. What a world that would be.

As a proud Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, I will defend anyone’s rights to speak up for what they believe. I don’t have to agree with them, but I defend their right to freedom of speech. I do not believe that right includes bringing harm to others both physically and mentally. Every voting adult will have an opinion on this upcoming election, even if it means they choose not to vote. Be thankful we live in a nation where we have the freedom to have our differences decided by a vote and not by force.

However, the opinions of others deserve the same respect as your own. But no matter what your differences may be, please do not question someone else’s Christianity over those differences. If your brother is sinning, then Jesus taught us how to handle that and Jesus told us to not judge other, unless you are ready to be judged by Him. I humbly tell you, I am not ready to judge others. I told a loved one the other day, that I no longer want to hear what someone has done wrong unless I hear it from them or witness it myself. Then I will pray the LORD will guide how I am to respond, but His WORD already clearly and repeatedly tells me not to judge.  Amen.